African Walnut
Coula edulisfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 5251 — Coula edulis
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IOverview
Overview
African Walnut, known botanically as Coula edulis, is a large tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa. Growing in habitats such as Benin, Cabinda, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, this tree thrives in light to partial shade with moist soil that can be either sandy, medium, or clay-like. It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can reach a height of up to 20 meters. The African Walnut is valued for its edible seed, which makes it an important food source in local communities. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability to various soil types while still requiring moisture, making it a versatile tree in diverse ecosystems.
Quick answers
What is African Walnut?
African Walnut, known botanically as Coula edulis, is a large tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
African Walnut thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows up to 20 meters tall. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture and well-draining soil for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow African Walnut for the first time
8steps
Start with planting an African Walnut seedling in a sunny spot, and you'll have a low-maintenance tree that can grow to be quite large.
- 1
What you'll need
African Walnut (Coula edulis) seedling or seeds, potting mix, container for transplanting if needed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 10°C.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes if you're planting in one.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant seedlings into the garden after hardening off for a week, or sow seeds directly where they will grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, especially in hot weather. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them and remove dead branches. Harvest seeds for planting once they are ripe and fall from the tree.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting in heavy clay soil, overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune, and using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:Fire starterLumberoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 12 native
Africa9 regions
native (9)BeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireEquatorial GuineaGabonGhanaLiberiaNigeriaSierra Leone
Broader regions
native:Cabinda, Congo, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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